Updated March 2026 | By ToolShed Tested Team
Quick Answer: The Milwaukee 2727-20 M18 FUEL 16-inch chainsaw is our top firewood pick, combining instant-start convenience with enough power to buck hardwood logs up to 16 inches in diameter. No mixing gas, no pull-starting, no carburetor maintenance, just grab and cut whenever you need firewood.
What to Look For
Firewood cutting demands sustained power through hardwood, and your chainsaw will be running for extended periods during bucking sessions. Bar length should match your typical log diameter: a 16-inch bar handles most firewood logs while staying manageable. Chain speed (measured in feet per second) determines cutting speed. For battery models, runtime per charge matters more than peak power since bucking a cord of wood takes time. Tool-free chain tensioning makes field adjustments fast. Automatic oiling systems should be reliable since a dry chain dulls instantly and creates dangerous kickback. Weight is a factor for long cutting sessions, especially when lifting the saw to buck elevated logs on a rack.
Our Top Picks
Milwaukee 2727-20 M18 FUEL 16-inch Chainsaw
★ 4.7/5
| Bar Length | 16 inches |
| Motor | M18 FUEL brushless |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs (bare) |
DeWalt DCCS670B 60V MAX FLEXVOLT 16-inch Chainsaw
★ 4.6/5
| Bar Length | 16 inches |
| Motor | 60V FLEXVOLT brushless |
| Weight | 9.0 lbs (bare) |
Makita XCU04Z 18V X2 LXT 16-inch Chainsaw
★ 4.5/5
| Bar Length | 16 inches |
| Motor | Dual 18V LXT brushless |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs with batteries |
How to Choose
For homeowners processing firewood on weekends, the Milwaukee 2727-20 offers the best convenience and enough runtime for most cutting sessions with two batteries in rotation. If you process larger volumes of hardwood and want the closest feel to a gas saw, the DeWalt DCCS670B with its 60V battery provides superior sustained cutting power. The Makita XCU04Z is the choice for users with a large inventory of 18V LXT batteries who want to avoid buying into a new voltage platform. For anyone processing more than 5 cords annually, a dedicated gas chainsaw remains more practical due to unlimited runtime and higher chain speed.
FAQ
Battery chainsaw vs gas for firewood?
Battery chainsaws handle firewood duties for most homeowners who process 1-3 cords per year. They start instantly, require less maintenance, run quieter, and produce no emissions. Gas chainsaws still win for all-day cutting sessions and processing very large hardwood logs where sustained peak power matters.
What chain type for firewood?
A standard full-chisel chain cuts fastest through hardwood but dulls faster on dirty wood. Semi-chisel chains maintain their edge longer and tolerate the dirt and grit common on firewood logs. For most users, a semi-chisel chain is the better firewood choice.
How often should I sharpen the chain?
Sharpen after every tank of gas or equivalent battery runtime, roughly every 30-45 minutes of cutting. A sharp chain pulls itself into the wood. If you are pushing the saw to make it cut, the chain is dull. Keep a filing guide in your firewood cutting kit.
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